Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Each 7 September, the UN marks the International Day of Police Cooperation to highlight the importance of international collaboration in supporting national law enforcement agencies against cross-border crime. According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), organized crime is responsible for about 95,000 homicides each year, representing roughly one-fifth of global intentional homicides.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that cross-border cooperation enables law enforcement to better assist survivors, apprehend criminals, disrupt criminal networks, and promote safety. UN Police have served in peacekeeping and political missions for over six decades, deploying over 7,700 personnel in 14 operations worldwide to protect civilians, uphold human rights, strengthen police services, and aid countries transitioning from conflict to peace.
International police cooperation addresses modern crimes such as cybercrime, terrorism, fraud, and human trafficking, which often cross national borders. Because police jurisdictions are limited, agencies share information and coordinate investigations internationally to combat these offenses.
INTERPOL, the International Criminal Police Organization, is a key platform for this cooperation, linking police in 196 countries to exchange data on crimes and criminals. While national police retain investigative and enforcement responsibilities, the UN also works with regional policing bodies and national authorities to enhance cross-border operational capacity.
UN Police do not function as a global police force or typically conduct arrests; instead, they focus on protecting civilians, advising, and training national police, and rebuilding policing institutions. Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix emphasized the role of UN Police in helping member states develop accountable, effective, and community-responsive policing institutions.
Meanwhile, UNODC supports countries through technical assistance aimed at preventing and prosecuting organized crime, trafficking, corruption, and other transnational offenses. The UN’s Inter-Agency Task Force on Policing promotes coordinated efforts across UN entities to ensure a unified approach to policing-related challenges.